Is there a common thread to my addictions?

Question

I heard that you cannot stop a habit but must replace it with another one. I have found this to be very true. Starting when I was about 8 years old, I went to the gas station EVERY DAY and got a soda at least once. When I was 14, I replaced sipping soda with smoking. I smoked throughout the day and went to the store every day for a pack of cigarettes. Now that I (finally) quit smoking, I find that I go to get a Starbuck's coffee every day, even though I can't comfortably afford it. Anyone know what my strange series of addictions stems from or how I can overcome it? I'm tired of depending on outside things!

Answer 1

It sounds like you are addicted to going to the store. Why don't you go and buy something cheap and not to bad for you like sugar free gum?

Answer 2

Hi-

I think you like routine as it helps you to feel secure, which I understand.

All I would say is try not to feel trapped by the notion that you must do something at a particular time.
If you want a cup of starbucks coffee every day, no problem- maybe drink less average coffee at home, or quit the smoking that you had started previously :)

If you really like soda, cigarettes and coffee- then don't worry too much, work out how much you can have.
Strange routines I think are pretty normal, I turn the lights on and off whenever I need to buy eggs and when they say what are you doing I just go "gooble gabble gooble gabble buying eggs buying eggs" and then they leave.

Seriously- don't worry maybe you seem quite normal and nice

Answer 3

You are basically stuck in a rut...all you have done is upgrade your consumption of products with your age and ability to purchase. For some people it is true that one habit must be replaced by another and for others it is not. You are in your rut because maybe you are conservative and being addicted to starbucks is better than being hooked on booze or drugs. Try thinking about a different way of living rather than the routine you seem to have going for you now. Instead of spending that money everyday...save that money everyday and at the end of the week, or at the end of two weeks, or at the end of the month go to the bank and deposit that money. Start making plans on how you would like to use that money...you could just stay on your conservative side and do yourself a huge favor and think of it as the start of your retirement fund (it will get to you sooner than you would ever dream it could)...or you could think outside your box and start making plans for a really out-there vacation. Lets see the coffee is what? $4 a day...$20 a week ...$80 a month ...about $1000 a year...gee whiz I think that might take care of a really NICE vacation.
As for depending on outside things, we all depend on outside things otherwise we would have to generate our own electricity, grow our own food (can you imagine trying to grow your own coffee beans?) build our own cars and be our own employer (not really a bad idea) but the point is that although we are dependant on outside things we don't have to do the same things in the same precise order day in and day out. If you are looking for some kind of diagnosis or condition that is abnormal you don't have anything going on that is note worthy. Be grateful. If your biggest gripe is spending too much money then JUST SAY NO hahahaaha.......really if you want to control your behaviors you can.

Answer 4

i could say a could desire to flee something or stay away from grotesque emotions. people who're addicts use the habit to numb or replace frightening strategies, emotions, behaviors, or emotions.

Answer 5

addictions are indeed tied together ... try this link as it has some good insight into many addictions ... good luck

Answer 6

seems like they all involve something you regret sooner or later, and involve money to buy them..but other than that they seem pretty normal.

Answer 7

all mind over matter; your mind is powerful ; when you want change you get it